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The Rain Cross <br /> <br /> It is related that when the white men first came to <br /> what is now the coastal area of Southern California that <br /> the Indian inhabitants of the region were using a cross <br /> as depicted above in their ceremonies and dances to <br /> induce rainfall. <br /> As this country by nature is semi.arid in character, <br /> we can well assume that these ceremonies and symbols <br /> were of considerable importance to these Indians. <br /> Undoubtedly quite by coincidence, the rain cross of <br /> the Indians is practically identical in form to the <br /> Heraldic Patriarchal or Double Cross as used by some <br /> of the crusaders in the Middle Ages. This is scarcely <br /> surprising, however, as it is stated that there are no <br /> less than 300 different devices and forms known among <br /> the crosses of heraldry. <br /> <br /> The arch as shown above is of the type used at some <br /> of the Missions of early California to s~a~send the ~ells <br />which were almost invariably in use at these establishments. ~ <br /> These bells were a very intimate part of life at these Missions and called the~pesaple <br />to worship, aroused them from their slumbers in the morning, signalled the time for meai~-'~ <br />joined in their festivities, indicated the time for their nightly rest, summoned them for <br />emergencies and finally tolled them to their final rest. <br /> <br />The Mission Inn of Riverside, a world renowned hotel of distinctive Mission type archi- <br />tecture, appointments and atmosphere, combined the Indian Rain Cross and the Mission <br />Bell Arch into the design shown above. This design was and still is used as a letterhead <br />design and also as a decorative motif in various ways. <br /> At one time, we are informed, the highways leading into Riverside were indicated by <br />signs suspended from such arches, and similar markers were used along the route from <br />the railway stations to the Inn. <br /> Later, this design was offered to the <br />Riverside City Officials to be used as <br />an official decorative motif on public <br />improvements. As a consequence we <br />find that many of the street lights are <br />fabricated in this design and it is also <br />in common use in balustrades for <br />bridge railings, sidewalks and roadways. <br /> <br />Presented with the compliments of <br /> <br /> JAMBOREE TROOP NO. 26 <br /> Riverside, California <br /> <br /> of Riverside County Council, <br /> Boy Scouts of America <br /> <br /> <br />